PHOTOS: STAR

Ataur Rahman

SHAH ALAM SHAZU

The passing of veteran theatre personality Ataur Rahman (84) has left a deep void in Bangladesh’s cultural sphere, particularly among those who shared decades of artistic collaboration and friendship with him. Following his death on Monday, May 11, cultural personalities including Abul Hayat, Mamunur Rashid, Masum Reza, and Tariq Anam Khan spoke to The Daily Star, reflecting on the life, legacy, and immense theatrical contributions of the man affectionately known as Monchosharothi.

A legendary figure in Bangladesh’s theatre movement, Ataur Rahman was a founding force of Nagorik Natya Sampradaya and one of the key architects behind the growth of post-independence modern theatre in the country. Beyond acting and directing, he was widely respected for helping shape the discipline, structure, and artistic language of contemporary Bangladeshi stage productions.

For Ekushey Padak-winning actor and playwright Abul Hayat, the loss was deeply personal.

Initially struggling to find words, he said, “What can I say? Ata bhai was someone so close and dear to me, and now we have lost him. My heart feels heavy with grief. I simply cannot find the language to express it.”

Recalling how he first came to know Ataur Rahman, Abul Hayat said, “I have known him for many years. Back then, I lived in Chattogram. We studied at the same school, though he was a few years senior to me. When I went to see him for the last time, memories of the face I knew from those school days came back to me. That familiar face is now silent.”

Speaking about the title “Monchosharothi”, Abul Hayat said it perfectly reflected Ataur Rahman’s lifelong devotion to theatre.

“Whoever gave him such a beautiful title chose it perfectly,” he said. “Ataur Rahman was truly the soul of the stage. He made immense contributions to theatre and devoted the finest years of his life to it.”

Concluding his reflections, he said, “One after another, the memories keep coming back to me. I pray for the peace of his soul. May Almighty Allah grant him Jannah.”

Veteran actor and playwright Mamunur Rashid remembered Ataur Rahman as one of the central figures of Bangladesh’s theatre movement.

“I have known him since before the independence of Bangladesh. Even during the Pakistan era, he was involved in theatre. After the country gained independence, he began working in theatre with renewed enthusiasm. Later, he founded Nagorik Natya Sampradaya,” he said.

“He remained connected to theatre for more than 50 years and made immense contributions. In particular, Ataur Rahman’s contribution to stage theatre was enormous. His contributions can never be forgotten.”

Mamunur Rashid also reflected on the breadth of Ataur Rahman’s work.

“He wrote plays, adapted scripts, directed productions, and acted as well. Besides working with his own troupe, he also directed productions for other theatre groups. His works were highly acclaimed and received immense love from audiences.”

He added, “Leaving everything behind, he has departed from us. He has my deepest love and respect.”

Renowned playwright and Desh Natok founding member Masum Reza described Ataur Rahman as “theatre personified”.

“His contribution to theatre was immense. He enriched Bengali drama enormously. He was a creative man who was always driven by the passion to create,” he said.

“He was a cultured and modern-minded individual. Despite being such a senior figure, my dear Ata bhai remained remarkably modern in his outlook.”

Recalling some of Ataur Rahman’s most celebrated productions, Masum Reza particularly mentioned Galileo and Roktokorobi .

“Thirty to thirty-five years ago, Ataur Rahman directed Galileo . At the time, the play was staged at the German Cultural Centre and received tremendous praise from audiences. It remains one of Ata bhai’s most successful works,” he said.

Speaking about Roktokorobi , Masum Reza added, “He directed Roktokorobi for the stage, which was a major achievement. In fact, Ata bhai brought world-renowned classic plays to the stage with immense care and dedication. His productions received great love from audiences in Bangladesh.”

Masum Reza concluded, “I found joy in listening to him. I learned many things from him. I hold the deepest respect for him.”

Acclaimed actor Tariq Anam Khan remembered Ataur Rahman as a pioneer who remained deeply committed to theatre throughout his life.

“Ataur Rahman was a deeply committed man. He worked with unwavering dedication throughout his life. He was one of our pioneers. He also held important responsibilities within the Group Theatre Federation and played a significant role in the practice of modern theatre,” he said.

Recalling the early days of Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, Tariq Anam Khan said, “In 1968, Ataur Rahman and Zia Haider founded Nagorik Natya Sampradaya. After independence, many others joined the troupe. During the early years of theatre practice in Bangladesh, he directed plays and also acted in them. Perhaps around 1973 or 1974, I developed a close bond with him, and that connection lasted a lifetime.”

He also recalled acting alongside Ataur Rahman in television dramas.

“Ata bhai and I worked together in a serial titled Lal Matir Kalo Dhoa . It was a long time ago, and the drama was written by Selim Al Deen. Later, he also acted in our drama Gulshan Avenue . So, there is truly no end to the memories.”

Concluding his reflections, Tariq Anam Khan said, “I am saddened by his passing. But this is the way life is — one must leave eventually. Still, the encouragement he gave me will always remain a source of inspiration.”